MYTHOLOGY

AND FOLKLORE
Folk Literature: Mythology and Folklore – An
Overview

I. Folk Literature as a Relevant Historical Artifact

Folk literature reflects the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular
culture and historical period. It provides insight into the ways in which people
make sense of the world around them.Folk literature encompasses a wide
range of genres, including myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, and songs. It is
passed down orally from one generation to
the next, and often evolves over time as it is adapted to changing cultural
contexts.

Folk literature is an important source of cultural and historical knowledge,
particularly in societies where written records are scarce. It can provide
information about the social, economic, and political conditions of the time and
place in which it was created. It offers a glimpse into the daily lives of people in
the past, as well as their hopes, fears, and aspirations.

Folk literature can be used to study the ways in which power and
authority are constructed and contested within a society. It provides insight
into the ways in which people understand and deal with issues such as death,
illness, and social conflict. It can also shed light on the relationships between
different cultural groups and the ways in which they interacted. It has been
used by historians and
anthropologists to understand the worldview of
people in the past.

Folk literature is often rich in symbolism and metaphor, which can reveal
underlying cultural assumptions and values. It can also provide a means of
examining the
cultural roots of contemporary issues and problems. It has been used to
promote social
and political change, as well as to resist oppression and domination. It has
been used to express cultural pride and identity, as well as to forge
connections between different communities.

Folk literature is an important part of the intangible cultural heritage of a

community and plays a role in shaping cultural identity and continuity. It is
often associated with traditional practices and customs and can be used to
explore the ways in which these have changed over time. Folk literature is an
important source of entertainment and pleasure and has been enjoyed by
people across cultures and time
periods. It provides a means of exploring universal human themes and
emotions, such as love,loss, and joy.

Folk literature can serve as a reminder of the richness and diversity of
human cultures and the importance of preserving and celebrating this
diversity.
II. GENRES OF FOLK LITERATURE
Folk literature encompasses a wide variety of written and oral forms,
including the following genres:

 Folktales - traditional stories that are passed down orally from generation
to generation. Folktales often feature legendary or mythical characters and
fantastical elements, such as magic and talking animals.

 Legends - stories that are believed to be based on historical events, but

they often contain elements of mythology and folklore. Legends often
feature heroic characters and can serve as moral lessons or provide insight
into a culture's religious beliefs.

 Myths- traditional stories that attempt to explain natural phenomena, such

as the creation of the world or the origins of a particular culture. Myths
often feature gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings.

 Ballads - narrative songs that tell a story through verse. Ballads were often
used to tell stories of love, loss, and adventure and were passed down
orally from generation to generation.

 Oral Traditions - refer to the storytelling, music, and other cultural

practices that are passed down from person to person without being written
down. This includes oral histories, jokes, proverbs, and more.

 Fairy Tales - magical stories that often feature fantastical characters, such
as fairies, witches, and enchanted creatures. Fairy tales often serve as
moral tales and can provide insight into cultural beliefs and values.

 Fables - short stories that feature talking animals and other mythical
creatures and are used to teach moral lessons. Fables often have a moral or
lesson at the end of the story.

 Proverbs - short, pithy sayings that express a common truth or wisdom.

Proverbs are often used to impart moral or practical advice and can provide
insight into a culture's beliefs and values.

 Riddles - puzzles or brainteasers that are often expressed in the form of a

question. Riddles are used to challenge the intellect and are often used in
oral traditions as a form of entertainment.

These are some of the most common genres of folk literature, but there are
many other forms of folk literature, each reflecting the unique cultural and
historical context of a particular community or period.
III.SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYING FOLK LITERATURE
Studying folk literature is important for several reasons, including:

1. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL INSIGHT

- Folk literature provides a window into the beliefs, values, and traditions
of a particular culture or community. Studying folk literature can deepen our
understanding of the human experience and the cultural and historical forces
that shape our world.

2. UNDERSTANDING OF ORAL TRADITIONS

-Folk literature is often passed down orally, providing valuable insight
into the oral
traditions of a culture. This can include storytelling, music, jokes, and other
forms of
cultural expression.

3. UNDERSTANDING OF MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION

-Myths and legends are often used to explain natural phenomena and
provide insight into a culture's religious beliefs. Studying folk literature can
deepen our understanding of the role that religion and mythology have played
in shaping human cultures and beliefs.

4. PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE

-Folk literature is an important part of a culture's heritage and studying it
can help to preserve this heritage for future generations. By understanding the
cultural and historical context of folk literature, we can better appreciate its
significance and value.

5. REFLECTING SOCIETAL ATTITUDES

-Folk literature often reflects the attitudes and beliefs of a particular
society.Studying folk literature can provide insight into societal attitudes
towards different social groups, such as women, minorities, or the elderly.

6. SHAPING CULTURAL ATTITUDES

-Folk literature can shape cultural attitudes and beliefs by reinforcing or
challenging societal norms, providing moral lessons, or shaping religious
beliefs. Studying folk literature can help us understand how cultural attitudes
and beliefs have evolved over time.
IV. THEORIES RELATED TO FOLK LITERATURE

A. ANCIENT THEORIES:

A. RATIONALISM - this theory posits that folktales and myths were

created to explain natural phenomena in a way that was understandable
to the common people. According to this theory, folktales were rational
explanations for events that were otherwise difficult to comprehend.
This theory was popular among ancient Greek philosophers such as
Aristotle.
B. ETYMOLOGICAL THEORY- this theory holds that folktales and myths
were created to explain the origins of words and names. According to
this theory, words and names were thought to have magical powers,
and folktales were created to explain their origins. This theory was
popular among ancient Greek and Roman scholars.
C. ALLEGORICAL THEORY - this theory holds that folktales and myths
were created as allegories, using symbolic language to convey moral or
religious teachings. This theory was popular among ancient Greek and
Roman philosophers, such as Plato.
D. EUHEMERISM: This theory posits that myths and legends were created
to explain historical events and that the gods and heroes of mythology
were once historical figures who were later deified. This theory was
popularized by the ancient Greek historian Euhemerus.

B. MODERN THEORIES

A. NATURALISM - this theory holds that folktales and myths were created
as a response to natural events and the environment. According to this
theory, folktales were created to explain and cope with natural disasters,
such as earthquakes and floods. This theory was popularized by the
American folklorist Stith Thompson.

B. RITUALISM - this theory holds that folktales and myths were created as
a part of religious rituals and ceremonies. According to this theory, folktales
were used to reinforce religious beliefs and provide moral lessons. This
theory was popularized by the British anthropologist James Frazer.

C. DIFFUSIONISM - this theory holds that folktales and myths spread

from one culture to another through migration and cultural exchange.
According to this theory, similarities in folktales and myths across different
cultures can be explained by the diffusion of cultural elements. This theory
was popularized by the American folklorist Alan Dundes.
D. EVOLUTIONISM - This theory holds that folktales and myths evolved
over time, reflecting changes in cultural attitudes and beliefs. According to
this theory, folktales were created and modified in response to changing
societal conditions. This theory was popularized by the American folklorist
Carl Jung.

E. FREUDIANISM - This theory holds that folktales and myths are

expressions of unconscious desires and fears. According to this theory,
folktales reflect the deep-seated fears and desires of the human psyche.
This theory was popularized by the Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud.

F. JUNGIAN ARCHETYPES - this theory holds that folktales and myths are
expressions of universal archetypes that exist in the human psyche.
According to this theory, these archetypes are represented in folktales and
myths in different cultures. This theory was popularized by the Swiss
psychologist Carl Jung.

G. STRUCTURALISM - this theory holds that folktales and myths can be

analyzed using structural methods, such as the study of narrative and
character types. According to this theory, folktales and myths have
universal structural elements that can be studied to gain insight into human
culture and society. This theory was popularized by the French
anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss.

H. HISTORICAL-CRITICAL THEORY - this theory holds that folktales and

myths can be studied as historical artifacts, providing insight into the
cultural and historical context in which they were created. This theory was
popular among folklorists such as the Finnish folklorist Antti Aarne.